For many of the nearly 30 alumni and supporters who gathered at Camp Maas for TAG at Camp, it had been years — sometimes decades — since they last stepped off the Green Bus.
Yet within moments, it felt like no time had passed at all.
As the group toured camp, shared stories, explored new facilities, welcomed Shabbat at The HuG and enjoyed a classic Tamarack dinner together, there was a familiar feeling in the air: connection. Connection to camp. Connection to community. Connection to the people and experiences that helped shape who we are.
That feeling is exactly why the Tamarack Ambassador Group (TAG) was created.
Over the years, Tamarack’s leadership identified what Board President Danny Klein calls a “happy Tamarack problem.” More and more alumni, parents and community members wanted to stay involved with camp, but traditional pathways didn’t work for everyone. Board and committee service remain vital, but busy schedules, different life stages, and diverse camp experiences meant that many people were looking for new ways to reconnect and contribute.
At the same time, we heard something else: people wanted to be in the know. They wanted a behind-the-scenes look at camp — what’s new, what’s changing, where Tamarack is thriving and how they can help strengthen its future.
In partnership with Tamarack’s professional leadership, a group of current and former lay leaders helped bring that vision to life. Together with TAG Chairs Jacob Gordon, Maddi Ishbia Luckoff and Michelle Bass, they created a welcoming space for alumni and community members from all stages of life to reconnect with Tamarack and become ambassadors for camp.
Since launching this spring, TAG members have gathered to learn about Tamarack today, share ideas and explore meaningful ways to get involved. Opportunities range from volunteering at The Farber Farm and supporting camper recruitment to participating in Send a Kid to Tamarack and helping introduce new people to the camp community. Just as importantly, TAG members are encouraged to bring their own ideas and talents to the table.
The recent TAG at Camp gathering embodied that vision perfectly. Lead by Tamarack’s leaders, including myself, Danny, and CEO Lee Trepeck as well as Camp Director Carly Weinstock, Chief Medical Officer Stefanie Aronow, First Vice President Elizabeth Sollish and others, participants received a first look at the brand-new Lucker Family Adventure Course, visited the newly renovated Jeff Grey Campfire Circle, heard updates about Tamarack’s future, and experienced camp coming to life as staff prepared for the organization’s historic 125th summer.
Most of all, they were reminded that Tamarack isn’t just a place we remember — it’s a community we continue to build together.
Interested in joining TAG?
Contact Gabe Neistein at gneistein@tamarackcamps.com to learn more. Because when it comes to strengthening the future of Tamarack, TAG, you’re it!
